Description

Here is one of a great set of seven antique postcards advertising Kinder-garten shoes with a Mother Goose theme. The image is based on one of the most famous picture books of its time, Denslow’s Mother Goose, which spawned many imitators. These cards were originally thought to be drawn by W. W. Denslow, but they are not signed by him, and the images are slightly different from the ones in his book, so they are now thought to be the unauthorized work of a Denslow imitator. The original verses were altered to mention Kindergarten Shoes, and are signed “F. F.” A very attractive, colorful and fun to collect set.

Seven is an odd number for a set, but some of the cards verify that this is the correct number: “A set of 7 different designs of these Kinder-garten Mother Goose post cards, of which this is one, sent post paid on receipt of 2 two-cent stamps. This panel left blank for writing on cards we send you. Smith-Wallace Shoe Co, Chicago, Ill.” I have seen cards in this set postmarked as early as 1906 (Denslow’s Mother Goose came out in 1901.)

Cards I’m listing separately include: The Old Woman in a Shoe and Baa Baa Black Sheep.

Here we have An Old Woman Who Lived in A Shoe. One of my “Wild and Homeless” items that’s looking for a non-judgmental home. In fair used condition, with a small edge tear and some wrinkles along the edges, and some writing at the base. The rear has an address and a stamp partially removed. Still a great hard to find collectible!